HARD
DISK DRIVE VS SOLID STATE DRIVE
HDD -The traditional spinning
hard drive is the basic storage on a computer. The information on it doesn't
"go away" when you turn off the system, as is the case with data
stored in RAM. A hard drive is a metal
platter with a magnetic coating that stores your data. A read/write head on an
arm accesses the data while the platters are spinning that is relayed output
for either viewing and/or listening.
SSD- Basically does everything a hard
drive do, but data is instead stored on interconnected flash memory chips that
retain the data even when there's no power present. The chips can be
permanently installed on the system's motherboard (as on some small laptops and
ultraportables),or on a PCI Express (PCIe) card (in some high-end workstations
and an increasing number of bleeding-edge consumer systems), or in a box that's
sized, shaped, and wired to slot in for a laptop or desktop's hard drive
(common on everything else). These flash memory chips are different than that
which is used in USB thumb drives, and are typically faster and more reliable.
SSDs are consequently more expensive than USB thumb drives of the same
capacities.
Pro/cons
– In regards to dollar per gigabyte SSDs are more expensive than hard drives.
For instance a 1TB internal 2.5-inch hard drive costs approximately $40 to $50,
but a SSD of the same capacity starts at $230. That is about 4 to 5 cents per
gigabyte for the hard drive and 23 cents per gigabyte for the SSD. So depending
on your budget the final factor could come down to price. The HHD is typically
way more less expensive than the SSD.
Capacity
- SSD units top out at 4TB and are rare and expensive. It is more common to
find 500GB to 1TB units as primary drives in systems. 500GB is considered a "base" hard
drive in 2016, pricing and budget desires can push that down to 128GB for a
lower-priced SSD-based systems. Multimedia users will require even more, with
1TB to 4TB drives common in high-end systems. This comparison comes down to
funds once again. If funds are not an issue the SSD is the way to go. If
you are adhering to a strict budget the traditional hard drive will suffice.
Speed -
An SSD-equipped PC will boot in less than a minute, and often in just seconds.
A hard drive requires time to speed up to operating specs, and will continue to
be slower than an SSD during normal use. A PC or Mac with an SSD boots faster,
launches and runs apps faster, and transfers files faster. The SSD is the obvious
winner in this comparison.
Durability
- A SSD has no moving parts, so it is more likely to keep your data safe in the
event you drop your laptop bag or your system is shaken about while it's
operating. Most hard drives park their read/write heads when the system is off,
but they are flying over the drive platter at a distance of a few nanometers
when they are in operation. If you're rough on your equipment, an SSD is
recommended. Considering I have lost many files due to dropping and/or
shaken PC and/or Laptop I can appreciate the SSD durability over the hard
drive.
Size -
Form
Factors: Hard drives
rely on spinning platters so there is a limit to how small they can be manufactured.
SSDs have no such limitation, so they
can continue to shrink as time goes on. SSDs are available in 2.5-inch laptop
drive-sized boxes, but that's only for convenience. SSDs will continue to grow
considering most of us are more appeal to smaller and less bulky devices.
Overall
comparison - Hard drives win on price, capacity, and availability. SSDs work
best if speed, ruggedness, form factor, noise, or fragmentation (technically
part of speed) are important factors to a buyer. If it weren't for the price
and capacity issues, SSDs would be the hands-down winner. In regards to
the capacity issues it only a issue due to how expensive it is to purchase
bigger storage space. The final assessment is that depending your expertise and
agenda sticking with a HDD is logical if you are a casual PC/Lap Top user. If you
make a living with the usage of PC/Lap Top devices investing in a SSD would be
beneficial.
To
further this comparison I added some typical needs that a buyer might consider
when purchasing either a HDD or SDD. Once again the determining factor comes
down to need and lifestyle.
HDDs
• Enthusiast
multimedia users and extensive downloaders: Video collectors need space, and you
can only get to 4TB of space inexpensively with hard drives.
• Budget buyers: Plenty of cheap space. SSDs are too
expensive for $500 PC buyers.
• Graphic arts and
engineering professionals: Video
and photo editors wear out storage by wear and tear. Replacing a 1TB hard drive
will be less expensive than replacing a 500GB SSD.
• General users: General users are a toss-up. Folks who
prefer to download their media files locally will still need a hard drive with
more capacity. But if you mostly stream your music and videos online, then
buying a smaller SSD for the same money will give you a better experience.
SSDs
• Road warriors: People who are rough on their devices
will love the durability of SSD. The toughness and extra security of files is
helpful for those who are constantly on the go.
• Speed
demons: If you
need things done now, spend the extra bucks for quick boot-ups and app
launches. Supplement with a storage SSD or hard drive if you need extra space.
• Graphic arts and engineering
professionals: Yes,
I know I said they need hard drives, but the speed of an SSD may make the
difference between completing multiple tasks for your client or just one. These
users are prime candidates for dual-drive systems.
• Audio engineers and
musicians: SSD’s
are quieter for recording.
The average price for an 1TB internal hard
drive was between $49-$75.
The average price for an 1TB SSD $260 and
possible beyond $2000.
Video of HDD vs SSD
